Dalhem Castle

Dalhem Castle, locally known as Ancien Château Comtal de Dalhem, which translates to Old Castle of the Counts of Dalhem, lies in the center of the town of Dalhem, in the Liège province in the Wallonia region in Belgium.

Dalhem Castle was constructed between 1076 and 1080 on a rock between the valleys of the Berwinne and Bolland rivers by the Palatine Count Hermann II. Its purpose was to control the roads on the right bank of the Meuse River leading to Maastricht, Tongres, Liège, Huy, and Aachen. From then on, the County of Dalhem expanded through usurpations, mainly at the expense of the Duchy of Limbourg.

In 1648, Dalhem Castle was stormed and destroyed by Dutch soldiers, after which it fell into ruin.

The only remaining part of this old castle is a large wall fragment. The former site of the castle is now occupied by a modern house and garden.

Currently, the remains of Dalhem Castle are private property and cannot be visited. It’s not a very spectacular castle, but more for enthusiasts like me. Its successor, the new Dalhem Castle, is nearby.

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